Air Peace to Launch Direct Abuja-London Heathrow and Gatwick Flights in October 2025, Transforming Nigeria-UK Travel
In a major boost to Nigeria’s aviation sector and international connectivity, Air Peace has officially announced the launch of direct flights from Abuja to London Heathrow and Gatwick airports beginning October 26, 2025. This groundbreaking development will make Air Peace the first Nigerian airline to operate direct services from the nation’s capital to two of London’s busiest international gateways.
The airline’s move is expected to significantly improve travel options for both business and leisure travelers, cutting out long layovers and connecting flights often required for Nigeria–UK journeys. With this expansion, Air Peace aims to redefine air travel for Nigerian passengers seeking seamless and affordable access to the United Kingdom.
A Milestone for Nigerian Aviation
Air Peace will operate the new Abuja–London services using its Boeing 777 aircraft, renowned for long-haul comfort, spacious cabin design, and fuel efficiency. This expansion follows the airline’s successful Lagos–London route, and marks a bold step in Air Peace’s international strategy.
Passengers can already book their flights via the Air Peace website or trusted travel agencies, with promotional return fares starting at ₦1 million. The service is anticipated to see strong uptake, particularly among travelers from Nigeria’s northern and central regions, who until now had limited direct access to the UK.
Dual Access: Heathrow and Gatwick for Greater Convenience
Offering access to both Heathrow and Gatwick—London’s key international hubs—Air Peace provides travelers with flexible arrival and departure options. Heathrow, known as Europe’s busiest airport, offers extensive global connections, while Gatwick caters to regional and budget-friendly European routes.
By flying into both airports, travelers can choose routes that best align with their final destination or onward travel plans. This dual-gateway model also opens up additional scheduling options, reducing congestion and offering more favorable timings for business meetings, conferences, and leisure trips.
Connecting Nigerians Across the Country
Beyond Abuja, the new London flights benefit passengers from Enugu, Port Harcourt, Kano, Owerri, and Asaba, who can now connect to London-bound flights through Abuja with one combined ticket and baggage check-in. This streamlined process eliminates the need for multiple bookings and transit hassles, a major advancement for Nigerian domestic-international travel integration.
“Air Peace is committed to democratizing international travel for all Nigerians,” said a company spokesperson. “This route offers unprecedented convenience and comfort for travelers across multiple regions.”
Boosting Nigeria-UK Bilateral Relations and Economic Exchange
The launch of direct Abuja-London flights is also expected to strengthen economic, educational, and tourism ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The UK remains one of Nigeria’s top trading and investment partners, and the introduction of these routes is likely to facilitate business travel, student mobility, and cross-border professional engagements.
According to the UK Office for National Statistics, over 200,000 visits were recorded between the UK and Nigeria in 2023, a number projected to increase post-pandemic as direct routes expand. The UK government has also supported visa facilitation for Nigerian travelers, especially students and professionals—a demand that aligns perfectly with Air Peace’s new services.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Tourism and Global Access
This new development supports Nigeria’s National Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) goals of positioning Nigeria as an accessible and connected African tourism hub. Easier access to and from London—one of the world’s most visited cities—means greater visibility for Nigerian destinations, events, and cultural exports.
In return, the direct flights make it easier for British tourists and diaspora Nigerians to visit Nigeria’s heritage cities, game reserves, festivals, and cultural attractions. This two-way traffic has long-term potential to boost local economies, tourism SMEs, and hospitality operators.
A Strategic Move in Air Peace’s Global Network
The Abuja-London route forms a crucial part of Air Peace’s broader global network strategy, which already includes regional African destinations such as Accra, Johannesburg, and Banjul. The addition of more long-haul routes such as India, Jeddah, and China is also in development, according to the airline.
Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema has previously emphasized the importance of expanding Nigerian aviation capacity in the global market, saying, “We are committed to showcasing the capacity of Nigerian aviation and creating a new standard for African airlines.”
Final Thoughts: What This Means for Nigerian Travelers
Air Peace’s Abuja-London service is not just a new route—it’s a milestone in national aviation independence, regional accessibility, and global economic participation. By providing affordable, direct access to key international destinations, Air Peace is helping redefine what it means to fly from Nigeria.
As demand for international travel rebounds, the convenience of direct flights to Heathrow and Gatwick will be a welcome relief to the thousands of Nigerian travelers who previously depended on connecting flights through Europe or the Middle East.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
